As patriotic fervour builds ahead of Independence Day, businessmen in city markets said demand for decorations is evolving, with consumers balancing tradition, quality and modern convenience. Traders reported steady demand for rooftop flags, hand-held tricolors, and street and shop decorations. However, preferences this year have shifted noticeably in terms of fabric, price and utility.
According to businessman Rudra Agarwal, 60% of the demand for flags hoisted on buildings and rooftops is for satin flags. “Satin, a blend of cotton and silk, is attractive and lightweight,” he said.
Another trader, Bablu Pal, said satin flags are available at affordable prices starting at ₹30 for a decent-sized flag. “On the other hand, Khadi flags start at ₹250. This price difference limits overall demand for Khadi flags in the general market to 30%. However, due to growing interest in Khadi in the city, sales have increased by 10% this time. The remaining 10% demand is for flags made of Chinese fabric,” Pal said.
For small hand-held flags, the trend remains largely unchanged. “Like last year, 70% of the demand is for paper and plastic hand-held flags. Children and schools primarily prefer these. The remaining 30% demand is for hand-held flags made of Chinese fabric,” Pal added.
Businessman Shivam Agarwal pointed to a major change in small decorative flags.
{{/usCountry}}Businessman Shivam Agarwal pointed to a major change in small decorative flags.
{{/usCountry}}“Demand for small decorative flags made of Chinese fabric has gone up to 50% this year, compared to 30% last year. In comparison, demand for traditional paper and plastic flags has declined to 25% each,” he said. He clarified that while the fabric is imported from China, the flags are manufactured domestically, mainly in Delhi.
Traders also noted a surge in fashion accessories in tricolour. “Unique items have been introduced for children and young women. Tri-colour braids with rubber bands and braided ribbons are available to complement girls’ tricolour frocks,” said trader Aditya Agarwal.
Other new offerings include sets of tricolour pearl necklaces with matching earrings for youth, hair clutches in butterfly and flower shapes, and hair clips with tricolor flowers. Traditional plastic badges have been replaced by durable metal badges. Beaded, fabric and silk cord tricolor bracelets are also in high demand.
Neck-worn tricolour ID cards with ribbons are emerging as an alternative to chest-pin badges. For the younger crowd, special tattoos and glitter tricolour face stickers have been introduced. Handmade woolen bandhanwars for houses and establishments, along with tricolour foil balloons, are also gaining popularity for modern decorations, traders said.